Fancy tackling the Oisans mountain passes without a number, without stress and at your own pace? L’Oisans Col Series transform the entire valley into a huge timed playground all summer long. The concept is simple and addictive: climb, get timed, collect summits. Here is how it works and how to make the most of it.
The Oisans Col Series concept
From June to September, a selection of iconic Oisans climbs is continuously timed. You choose your pass, you climb it whenever you like, and your time is recorded automatically. No mass start, no competition pressure: you ride alone or with friends, at whatever time suits you, and then compare yourself to the other participants.
How does it actually work
- Timing your ascent is measured from the bottom to the top, via a dedicated app and/or timing terminals.
- Leaguetables you recover your time, your place and your progress as the season goes on.
- Rewards medals or distinctions reward performance and consistency, depending on the mountain passes climbed.
It is an ideal formula for setting personal goals, tracking your progress from one outing to the next, and discovering the region in a way that goes beyond being a simple tourist.
The climbs on the schedule
The selection brings together the major stars and hidden gems of the Oisans, to vary the pleasures and the types of effort:
- The essential Alpe d'Huez and its 21 bends; ;
- The savage Col de Sarenne, with 21 bends; ;
- The sunny balconies of’Auris-en-Oisans and Villard-Reculas ;
- The short but brutal climb of’Oz-en-Oisans ;
- The giant Col du Sabot, one of the highest in Isère.
From the sprint of just a few kilometres to the long high-altitude climb, everyone will find a challenge to suit them.
Our tips for a good time
Knowing the profile often makes the difference between a good and a very good time. Study the mile by mile to know where to push and where to recover, warm up before short, explosive climbs like Oz, and manage your effort on long ones like the Sabot. Each of our fact sheets details the FIETS difficulty and the estimated times based on your power-to-weight ratio : enough to set yourself a realistic goal. Identify your targets on the Oisans mountain passes page and choose accordingly your level.
When and how to take part
The challenge takes place during the fine weather, when all the mountain passes are clear of snow. To plan your rides properly and avoid the heat or passes that are still closed, take a look at our guide when to climb the Oisans mountain passes.
Keep a record of your achievements
Once the summit has been conquered, capture the moment: on every pass page, you can order a 3D relief map from the conquered summit, customisable with your name and your time. The finest memento for a successful challenge.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a good standard to take part?
No: we climb at our own pace, with no mass start. The challenge adapts to everyone, from the cycle tourist to the experienced climber.
When does the Oisans Col Series take place?
During the summer, generally from June to September, when the passes are open and clear of snow.
How is my time recorded?
Via a dedicated app and timing terminals, from the foot to the summit of each pass in the selection.
Ready to collect the peaks? Discover all the climbs in the region on the Oisans mountain passes page.